Download ALL the apps

In this digital world that we live in, airlines are trying to push app downloads as much as possible. One way of doing this is by offering flash upgrades to those using their apps as a special little thank you for loyalty. “Even with dirt-cheap economy tickets, many carriers now offer them to passengers who use their website or mobile app to check on their booking,” says Gilbert Ott, flight hacker and travel blogger. So, if you’ve got a holiday already booked make sure you’re checking in using the app – saves a bit of paper too!

Stop worrying about the ‘where’

You need to keep your origins open: when you have flexibility over where you’re traveling from, you can get better deals on first- and business-class seats. Flights that pass through Colombo, Sri Lanka, for example, are particularly cheap.

- Ben Schlapping, One Mile at a Time blogger

Don’t be polite

Us Brits are known for our politeness. Have you ever had a cold meal at restaurant and been too embarrassed to complain? Or experienced awful customer service but somehow managed to keep a tight-lipped smile instead of saying anything? Of course, you have! MarketWatch advises that if a genuine opportunity to complain comes up to take it, as an upgrade to first class could be a form of compensation.

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